Maximizing Micro-Channel Heat Transfer Efficiency with Longitudinal Vortex Generators and Advanced Tri-Hybrid Nano-Fluids

Abstract

Advancements in electronics technology have significantly improved human lives but have also introduced new challenges in managing device performance. The trend towards smaller and more portable devices has intensified the need for efficient thermal management solutions. Traditional cooling systems are often inadequate for dissipation of heat from electronic chips. This research is based on predicting the thermal effects and hydrodynamics of single-phase micro-heat exchangers integrated with LVGs, utilizing the introduction of nanofluids via the use of CFD model equations. The geometry of the models is created in SOLIDWORKS, and numerical computations are conducted in ANSYS Fluent R21 following mesh generation in ANSYS Workbench. Nanofluids of different types and concentration are studied to find optimum nanofluid while considering pressure drop, Nusselt number and space occupied by micro-channel. Temperature boundary conditions is applied to study best concentration and type of nanofluid depending upon performance parameters including Nusselt number (Nu), drop in pressure, temperature of base and friction factors. This study conducts a simulations of the 3D laminar flow of several nanofluids in a rectangular duct featuring a longitudinal vortex generator. The finite volume approach is utilized for solving the energy, mass and momentum governing equations. The impact of nanoparticle type, Reynolds number and concentration, on the drop in pressure and coefficient of heat transfer of the nanofluids is investigated. The range of the Reynolds number was from 200 to 1200. For both the lower and LVG walls, a constant surface temperature was assumed. Eight nanofluids were considered in which Al₂O₃, CuO, and SiO₂, Ag, Cu, Fe3O4 suspended in water while two trihybrid nanofluids: Ag-Cu-Fe3O4 and Al₂O₃-SiO2-TiO2 suspended in ethyleneglycol. The concentrations of nanoparticles varied between 1% and 4%. The results revealed that for trihybrid fluid Al₂O₃-SiO2-TiO2-ethylene glycol nanofluid at 1% concentration and a RE number of 1200, the average Nusselt number was roughly 164% higher than at a RE number of 200 which participates in enhancing convective heat transfer capability of micro-channel.